First major upgrade now operational at Winnipeg’s North End wastewater plant

The North End Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade project has reached a major milestone.

Earlier this week, the city announced the first of three large upgrades to the plant is now operational.

First major upgrade comes online

"For too many years, the North End treatment plant was a project everyone knew had to get done, but progress was far too slow. We’ve changed that," said Mayor Scott Gillingham. "The first major component of the largest capital project in Winnipeg’s history is now operational, and work is moving ahead across the rest of the plant. This is real progress on a project that is essential to protecting Lake Winnipeg, meeting our environmental obligations and supporting the future growth of our city."

The Headworks Facilities, located at the North End Wastewater Treatment Plant, started to come online Wednesday morning. 

The Headworks Facilities are an important part of Winnipeg's wastewater system, as they collect all incoming wastewater from deep underground and put it to ground level. From there, large debris and grit are removed to protect downstream equipment and processes.

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Odours expected through September

As operations ramp up at the facilities, people in the area may notice occasional odours. The city expects this to be an intermittent issue through September as they introduce a new odour control system.

The system uses bacteria to break down smells before air is discharged from the Headworks Facilities.

Treating most of Winnipeg’s wastewater

The North End Wastewater Treatment Plant treats 70 per cent of Winnipeg’s wastewater and all biosolids from the city’s three treatment plants. It also treats wastewater from neighbouring rural municipalities through service sharing agreements.